In 1958 the Air Force created its version of the Commendation Medal. At first, it was only offered as military ribbons, but by1960, the Air Force had added the military medals version of these decorations.
These military awards are a mid-level decoration presented to service persons for acts of heroism and meritorious service. If the valorous action that earns the Air Force Commendation Medal is performed in direct contact with an enemy force, the Valor Device “V” may be worn on the decoration. The actions for which these military ribbons and medals are awarded are considered to be of a lesser degree than those required to win the Bonze Star.
The Air Force Commendation Medal is worn below the Silver Life Saving Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal, but above the Joint Services Achievement Medal. The Air Force denotes additional awards of these military ribbons with bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.
The Air Force Commendation Medal is generally available as medals and ribbons, and can be worn as full size military medals, military mini medals, military ribbons, and lapel pins. Like most military medals, is available as traditional slide-on, full size military medals or mini-medals, slide-on military ribbons, and the newer, thin military medals, mini-medals and ribbons.